issful and terrifying. "Now what?" Elena whispered to herself, her eyes sweeping the deserted streets around her. Her mind was racing. No home. Antonio had kicked her out, no money, and she was alon

may not have been as grand as a royal palace, but its simplicity gave Elena a sense of serenity. With steady steps, she entered the building. As she entered her new apartment, Elena felt relieved. It was small but cozy, with large windows that let in sunlight as the early morning warmed the cream-colored walls. There was a small sofa in the living room, a small dining table, and a well-equipped kitchen. The bedroom was simple, with a soft-looking bed and a wardrobe in the corner. Elena put her keys on the table and sat on the sofa, feeling a relief she hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. However, images of her past still haunted her, reminding her of the horrors she had just lived through. That night, Elena slept peacefully, but her dreams were filled with flashes of the past-Paolo's angry face, the screams of the captive women, and Zo il Leone in his silver mask. However, every time the dark shadows appeared, she remembered Zoë il Leone's words: "Freedom is only the beginning." The next morning, Elena woke up with renewed determination. She puts on the best clothes she has in her closet and sets off for the Ricci Enterprise Group office. The streets of Palermo bustle with morning activity. The city was full of beautiful historic buildings and small cafés selling the tantalizing aroma of coffee. When she arrived at the Ricci Enterprise office, a tall building with gleaming glass, Elena felt nervous. However, she knew that this was a chance to start a new life. Just as she was about to enter the grand office, the calm atmosphere was disturbed by a commotion on the terrace. Elena witnessed a middle-aged woman being abused by a security guard. The security guard pushed the woman so hard that she fell to the floor, scolding, "Get out of here! You have no business in this place!" With a sudden burst of courage, Elena came back down the office stairs and helped the middle-aged woman who was still on the floor